Cabin camping near Babbitt, Minnesota provides outdoor enthusiasts access to the Iron Range region's dense forest terrain and interconnected waterways. This area sits at approximately 1,500 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during peak season. Winter cabins remain accessible despite temperatures frequently dropping below zero, with snow typically persisting from November through early April.
What to do
Fishing from private docks: Bear Head Lake State Park Campground offers cabin sites with water access for anglers. "Great fishing, canoeing!! Secluded sites!!" notes Pat S. The lake supports multiple species including "sunnies and bass plus a northern and small walleye" according to Lisa H., making it productive for both novice and experienced fishermen.
Mine tours at Lake Vermillion: The Lake Vermillion Soudan Mine State Park Campsites area includes the historic Soudan Mine. As one reviewer explained, "Soudan mine tours were awesome! travel down in the mine and ride cars to see the way iron ore was mined in early 1900s." Tours operate June through September and take approximately 1.5 hours.
Hiking around Eighteen Lake: The trail system around Eighteen Rustic Lake Campground offers moderate difficulty routes. "There is a great summary below. To repeat, no water or trash but there is a bathroom and a nice hike that is well used. The lake is great. Really wonderful," reports Teresa T. The main trail circles the lake in a 2.5-mile loop with minimal elevation change.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Bear Head Lake State Park Campground features secluded camping spots with natural screening. "Sites leaning towards more of an rv type of site with the gravel and lots of large rocks in the ground but an amazing location. The hiking trails are fantastic and they have many hike in sites that appear to be in super cool locations," writes Stephanie K., highlighting the balance of accessibility and seclusion.
Year-round cabin options: Several locations maintain winter access for cold-weather getaways. According to one visitor at Lake Vermillion, "Stayed in a cabin for some winter glamping! Gonna have to make this a yearly thing for sure! I love this area of the state...and the mine area sure is something else in the winter time after a large snow accumulation."
Lake-based activities: Birch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites offers direct lake access with minimal boat traffic. "We arrived late and set up in the dark, but were pleasantly surprised in the morning. Quiet except for the nature sounds - fronts, owls, loons at night. Hiking trails right out of the campsite," notes Kara B.
What you should know
Cabin amenities vary significantly: Modern cabins at some locations include extensive electrical access. At Lake Vermillion Soudan Mine State Park Cabins, "Electricity outlets were plenty (in all the bunks - as well as lights in all bunks). Hard floors, a vacuum for when you were done, shelves for gear and food, baseboard heaters, A/C in summer, big windows, ceiling fan, rug to wipe your boots, lots of coathangers."
Firewood policies differ: Some properties offer daily firewood permits rather than bundle sales. One camper explained: "You can't bring your own wood, but you can pay $10/day for a permit that you hang at your site. They have a 'shed' with pre-split wood that's dry and ready for the campfire. You can burn what you need daily and put the rest back before you leave."
Pet restrictions at some cabins: While many campgrounds allow pets, cabin-specific rules vary. An important note from Lake Vermillion: "PETS are allowed in the park, but NOT in the cabins and NOT on the deck of the cabin. Pretty steep fees if they find this happening." Check specific property policies before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for swimming: Fisherman's Point City Campground offers family-friendly water features. According to Sarah A., it's a "Great campground! Owners are super great and helpful, beautiful campsite and nice paved path for biking!!! Great for the family."
Playground availability: Several campgrounds include play equipment for children. Jerime L. notes that Fisherman's Point is "kid friendly, lots of lake sites, playgrounds, and atv friendly!! Onsite dump station and fresh water fill up!"
Space for group activities: Larger cabins accommodate extended families. At Canoe Country Campground and Cabins, one visitor reported, "We stayed here last June with our large family. My bf and I stayed 2 nights in a cabin and tent camped 2 nights on a camp site. This area has great access to many lakes including the BWCA along with being close to Ely for anything you may have forgotten."
Tips for RVers
Hookup capabilities: Silver Rapids Lodge offers some of the most complete hookup options in the area. "Across the street from the lodge is the campground, boat ramp & small toilet rooms a little primitive. Better to be self contained in this part of the campground. Most sites back up to the water and some have docks behind them and there is water & electric."
Dump station locations: Most campgrounds lack onsite sewer disposal. A visitor notes, "I believe they use the dump station in Ely at the visitor center they have a dump you can use for $5.00. Ely is a small town it has a lot of canoe outfitters, 2 grocery stores, a few places to eat, gas stations, hardware stores, some gift shops, so come prepared there isn't a Walmart or anything near there."
Site size considerations: Many cabin and RV sites have specific size limitations. "The ones across from the toilet rooms can be tight backing in having enough room to get in take that into consideration when booking." Request detailed site dimensions when making reservations, particularly for units exceeding 30 feet in length.
